#7. The Servant King

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MERLIN: KINGDOM COME

Season 6 Episode VII
“THE SERVANT KING”
FADE IN:
INTRO:
KILGHARRAH (V.O.)
In a land where magic is all but
myth, the destiny of a great kingdom
rests on the shoulders of the most
powerful sorcerer ever to walk the
earth. His name? Merlin.
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.
[1] MERLIN, ARTHUR, and GWEN all stare, slack-jawed, totally

bewildered at LEON, who stands in the threshold. Tears glisten in
GWEN’s eyes.
GWEN
(whispers)
Leon, I can’t believe you’re here...
LEON
(shocked)
Guinevere... It has been so long
since I last saw your face.
They meet in a fierce embrace, amazed, emotional.
MERLIN watches ARTHUR watch them, knowing this must be heart-

wrenching for him. ARTHUR is respectful enough of the life LEON and
GWEN shared together to give them a moment, but he is uncomfortable
at the sight of GWEN in another man's arms.
A few beats, taking it in – taking her in – and LEON pulls back to

face his friends. He beholds them a moment, and pulls MERLIN into a
hug, then ARTHUR. It's been so many centuries since they were all
together...
LEON
(pulling back)
I was beginning to wonder if I would
ever see you again, until I found
Percival and Lancelot...
Page 1 of 56
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MERLIN
(stunned)
Wait! You found...?
LEON
There is much to tell.
ARTHUR
Leon... How do you already remember
us?
MERLIN
I thought you died during Camelot's
last stand.
LEON
No. I never perished. When the Druids
let me drink from the Cup of Life, I
became immortal, though I did not
know it. After the Fall of Camelot,
the Lady of the Lake gave me the
choice between waiting for you on
earth, or resting in a deathlike
sleep in Avalon. I chose to sleep,
and returned to life a decade ago,
along with hundreds of your subjects,
so that we could begin to establish
your kingdom before your return.
MERLIN
Subjects...?
GWEN
How did you find us?
LEON
Roughly three days past, we
infiltrated Mordred’s fortress and
dispatched an ally of his – Lord Lot.
While we were there, we overheard the
lords saying you had returned. I
determined it was time to buy back
your castle.
(meaningful glance at Merlin)
Little did I know, you already had
it.
ARTHUR follows LEON’s gaze to MERLIN. He pieces it together.
ARTHUR
(shocked)
Page 2 of 56
Merlin... You’re Darlene Plunkett?

You already own the castle? Why did
you not tell me?
MERLIN
You never asked.
ARTHUR
So the guards...?
MERLIN
Yeah... they guarded the castle a bit
too well — even kept me out. But that
was what I paid them for.
ARTHUR
All this time, couldn't you have just
ordered them to let you pass?
MERLIN
Look, it's complicated having to
juggle so many alter egos, all right?
ARTHUR
You know, you could have saved
yourself a lot of trouble if –
GWEN
(cutting him off)
Listen, I hate to interrupt, but,
Arthur, didn't you say that Gwaine is
in danger?
ARTHUR
(last stare at Merlin - shakes it off)
Right – The witching hour draws near.
We need to rescue him from Mordred
before it’s too late.
LEON
(surprised)
Sir Gwaine? You found him?
MERLIN
(regretful)
Yeah. And after one day, we lost him.
A thoughtful expression overtakes LEON.
GWEN
What is it?
Page 3 of 56
LEON
If Sir Gwaine is in trouble, then I
believe I can offer a solution.
ARTHUR
You have a plan?
LEON
(a smile)
Better. I have a castle... and an
army.
TITLES
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.
[2] MERLIN's round coffee table has become their new makeshift
Round Table. Together, ARTHUR, GWEN, LEON, and MERLIN all sit
around it on the floor.
LEON
It is settled then. After Merlin
contacts Mordred, we will slip out
and head for my car.
MERLIN
What about Morgana? If we leave her
unprotected, Mordred may even try to
fetch her himself.
GWEN
I will stay here and watch her.
ARTHUR
No, that won't be necessary. Merlin
and I have it covered.
Beat of uncertain staring from GWEN and LEON.

GWEN
(soft)
Must it be you who stays behind? I
just got you back...
LEON
Sire, I recommend that you come with
us. Our chances are greater with the
King at our side.
ARTHUR
The last time Merlin was left with
Morgana, she was almost taken. What
if something were to happen?
Page 4 of 56
GWEN
I'm certain you've seen Merlin's
power by now. He can handle himself.
LEON
If anything were to go wrong, Sir
Gwaine is the one who would suffer.
ARTHUR glances from GWEN and LEON to MERLIN, wavering.
What? No – MERLIN can't believe this.
MERLIN
(to Arthur)
You're leaving again?
LEON
It would be best if you joined us,
Sire. Lancelot and Percival will be
eager to see you.
MERLIN
I'm eager to see Lancelot and
Percival, too.
GWEN
Someone has to guard Morgana.
MERLIN
Right – of course – it's always me
who gets left behind. Why wouldn't it
be? Merlin's used to waiting by now.
This'll be a walk in the park for
him!
MERLIN's sudden distress doesn't make the decision easy.
ARTHUR
Look – uh, Sir Leon, Guinevere, get
everything ready, and give us a
moment.
LEON watches as GWEN gives ARTHUR a kiss on the cheek. Then, she
rises and heads across the room. LEON follows.
MERLIN
My Lord, you need me. Let me go with
you.
ARTHUR
Merlin, you're the only one I trust
to protect Morgana. I’ll be with Gwen
and Leon. And Elyan — as soon as we
fetch him.
Page 5 of 56
MERLIN
I know it’s just... well, it’s
stupid, but there are these moments
when I think this has all been a
dream. They only go away when I can
see you — when I can prove that
you’re really here. I can't stand
being alone anymore.
ARTHUR
I don’t like it any more than you do.
Leon and Guinevere mean the world to
me, but neither has a sense of humor.
It's going to be hours of tedium from
here on out for me.
A little smile from MERLIN. He knows ARTHUR is only saying that to

cheer him up.
ARTHUR
Hey, you're the one who taught me
that to be a king is to serve others.
My people need me now.
(beat - serious)
I will come back.
MERLIN
(beat)
You better.
ARTHUR
I will.
MERLIN
Cross your heart?
ARTHUR
And hope to live, yes.
GWEN and LEON come and stand over them, all set to leave. GWEN
extends Excalibur to ARTHUR.
GWEN
We’re ready.
ARTHUR
(takes sword - to Merlin)
Are you?
Page 6 of 56
MERLIN nods. Deep exhale. It's time. He closes his eyes and
channels his telepathic connection with MORDRED.
INTERCUT WITH: INT. ELIZABETH TOWER / EXT. WESTMINSTER BRIDGE –

CONTINUOUS.
ACCOLON and MORDRED watch Merlin's flat from one of the many
windows, while MORGAUSE keeps an eye on GWAINE. Moonlight pours
into the tower.
MERLIN (V.O.)
We agree to your proposition.
MORDRED smiles as he hears the message.
MORDRED
Emrys has agreed.
ACCOLON
Finally!
MERLIN (V.O.)
But we choose the location of the
trade.
MORDRED sees no problem with this.
MORDRED (V.O.)
Name it.
MERLIN moves over to the window of his living room. ARTHUR, GWEN,
and LEON watch him, willing the plan to work.
MERLIN (V.O.)
Are you near a window?
MORDRED (V.O.)
Of sorts.
MERLIN (V.O.)
Look out. Can you see Westminster
Bridge?
The others wait. Come on, Mordred: take the bait. Beat. MORDRED
heads to another window on the opposite side of the tower and looks
out.
There is the bridge, lit up in the distance. The water around it is

black with nightfall, gold light from the city shimmering on its
ripples.
MORDRED (V.O.)
I see it.
Page 7 of 56
CUT TO:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – CONTINUOUS.
MERLIN
He’s distracted.
ARTHUR
All right, now! Go, go!
ARTHUR ushers GWEN and LEON out the door. With one last meaningful
glance at MERLIN, he shuts the door and is gone.
At the window, MERLIN anxiously watches his friends hurry out of

the flat and run around behind the building. Little does he know...
CUT TO:
INT. ELIZABETH TOWER – CONTINUOUS.
...that ACCOLON is watching the dark shapes of ARTHUR, GWEN, and

LEON hurry out of MERLIN’S FLAT as well, though in the dark it's
impossible to tell the third figure, LEON, from MERLIN. He tosses a
glance in MORDRED’s direction to make certain that he is not
watching, then looks back at his enemies as they disappear around
the building.
GWAINE, however, will not play the fool again: he notices ACCOLON's
intent frown out the window. Something must be up.
MORGAUSE
(to Gwaine)
What are you staring at?
GWAINE
(looks at her)
You. Maybe after all this abduction
business is water under the bridge,
we could have a drink together.
Death glare from MORGAUSE. Satisfaction from GWAINE.
MORDRED stares out over Westminster Bridge.
MORDRED (V.O.)
We will be waiting for you. And,
Emrys... if you do not show by the
appointed time, do not expect to see
Sir Gwaine again – at least not in
one piece.
CUT TO:
Page 8 of 56
SERIES OF SHOTS: EXT. LONDON CITY (STREETS) – CONTINUOUS.
ARTHUR and GWEN follow LEON behind Merlin’s flat building and come
to another street, where they climb inside LEON’S CAR and take off.
CUT TO:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – CONTINUOUS.
MERLIN stands in his flat, alone again, hoping against hope that
everything will go according to plan.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON (STREET) – NIGHT 1.
[3] SHOT of LEON’S CAR as it drives down the street.
CUT TO:
INT. LEON’S CAR – NIGHT 1.
It pulls to a stop outside a classy, Victorian-style house. Big,

like a mini manor. Expansive front lawn, white balcony above the
front door. All the windows are dark. It looks like no one's home.
GWEN
This is the house Elyan and I share.
He’s probably still awake.
ARTHUR
How do we intend to spark his memory
exactly?
LEON
(thoughtful)
Well, with Percival and Lancelot, I
noticed their memories were triggered
by a key phrase or memory that held
great significance for them in their
past.
(more to himself)
Hm... On the way to the Sanctuary, I
shall need to clear a few things up
regarding Lancelot's last few days...
But first, let’s take care of Elyan.
CUT TO:
Page 9 of 56
INT. ELYAN’S HOUSE – CONTINUOUS.
Sound of keys jingling. The door unlocks and slowly creeps open.
The house is pitch-dark this late at night.
GWEN
(loud whisper)
Elyan? Elyan?
ELYAN (O.C.)
Gwen?
Long robe, slippers. A squinting ELYAN appears at the top of the

stairs.
ELYAN
(descending)
What’s going on? I expected you back
hours ago. Who are they – oh, hello,
Arthur...
GWEN
Elyan, we need to talk to you. It
will all make sense in a moment... I
hope.
Totally confused, ELYAN looks from ARTHUR and LEON to GWEN.
ELYAN
Are-Are you in some kind of trouble?
GWEN
It’s all right, Elyan.
GWEN approaches her brother and takes his face in her hands. She
closes her eyes, thinking back to a moment that might finally
trigger his memories: her last words to him.
GWEN
(whispers)
Father would be proud of you.
Page 10 of 56
Beat. ELYAN stares. Is that supposed to mean something to him?
But wait... His face slowly transitions from confused to

thoughtful.
Flash of a MEMORY: EP6 of Season 5, ELYAN fights the enchanted,

floating sword to defend his sister. Just when they think the worst
is over, he collapses. Wounded. It's mortal. GWEN holds him in her
arms in his last moments. We see his peaceful face, GWEN's tearful
goodbye...
FLASHBACK GWEN
(whispers)
Father would be proud of you.
Present moment. ELYAN gazes into her eyes.
ELYAN
(disoriented frown)
And... And of... you.
GWEN gives a beaming smile, tears glistening in her eyes.
ELYAN
(realization)
Gwen... Gwen! I... I can’t believe
you’re here.
He pulls her in for an excited hug. GWEN takes it in.
Beyond GWEN’s shoulder, ELYAN's eyes trail to ARTHUR and LEON.
ELYAN
(overjoyed)
Sire! Leon!
GWEN giggles joyfully as ELYAN jumps into another hug with both of
them. When they pull back, ARTHUR and LEON clap their hands on his
shoulders.
ARTHUR
It’s good to have you back, Elyan.
ELYAN
Good to be back, Sire. What... what
happened? How did...?
LEON
While I would love to tarry here, we
cannot afford to delay. Sir Gwaine’s
life is on the line.
Page 11 of 56
ELYAN
(alarmed)
Wait – what? Gwaine? He’s... in
danger? I don't...
GWEN
(a loving hand on his arm)
We can explain it on the way.
LEON
(to Arthur)
As soon as we reach the Sanctuary,
Sire, you can assume control of the
army I have been preparing for you.
Your return will certainly put a fire
in their hearts.
LEON and ARTHUR share a smile. Things are really falling into place
now.
CUT TO:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (KITCHEN / LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.
[4] MERLIN splashes water from the sink onto his face and shudders.
Without bothering to dry off, he strides into the living room. All
the lights are on. Candles are lit. MERLIN paces frantically across
the floor. His eyes are drooping shut. So... tired...
He smacks himself.
MERLIN
No! Stay awake! Can't risk any
nightmares now! Arthur is counting on
you to keep watch...
A MUFFLED WHIMPER. MERLIN tenses up. What was that?

Another MUFFLED WHIMPER, more desperate this time. A long, mournful
wail – female: MORGANA’s.
Something is wrong.
CUT TO:
Page 12 of 56
INT. FLAT BUILDING (CORRIDOR) / MORGANA’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM /

KITCHEN) – CONTINUOUS.
MERLIN hastens — practically runs — down the hall. MORGANA’s

MOANING and WAILING grow louder the closer he gets to her door. He
hears GALAHAD from inside her flat.
GALAHAD (O.S.)
Mum, you’re all right! It’s just a
dream!
MERLIN frantically raps on the door.
GALAHAD (O.S.)
(low - to Morgana)
Shh! Someone’s knocking. Please be
quiet.
MERLIN
Galahad, open the door.
No response. GALAHAD has fallen silent. MORGANA’s cries continue.
MERLIN steps back from the door, gets ready, and RAMS his shoulder
against it. OUCH. No give.
Fine. He backs up, waves a hand over the knob.
MERLIN
(incanting)
Aliese duru rýne.
CLICK. It's unlocked. He spills inside.
GALAHAD jolts, startled. Surrounded by the boxes and other clutter

leftover from the move, MORGANA lies on the mattress, whimpering,
in the middle of the floor, blankets twisted around her legs.
GALAHAD sits beside her, trying to hold her down. He stares at
MERLIN with wide eyes.
GALAHAD
You shouldn’t be in here.
MERLIN
I can help her.
GALAHAD
I'm handling it.
MERLIN
Just stay back.
Page 13 of 56
MERLIN goes to the mattress. GALAHAD jumps up and shuts the door
before anyone else hears the commotion.
MERLIN
Morgana?
Beneath MORGANA’s fluttering eyelids, we glimpse a flash of gold.

The boxes around them begin to levitate off the floor.
GALAHAD snatches one from the air. It contains a small television

set.
GALAHAD
Ha! Finally found the telly.
While GALAHAD is distracted, MERLIN discretely uses his own magic

to counteract MORGANA’s and gently sets the boxes down. He lowers
himself to his knees by the mattress.
MERLIN
Morgana? Morgana...
He puts a hand on her.
MORGANA bolts upright, SCREAMING her head off.
MERLIN
Whoa! Hey! Morgana!
Wide eyes, panting – MORGANA registers MERLIN’s face in the dark.
MORGANA
You? What are you doing here?
GALAHAD
He heard you screaming from the hall
and broke in.
A glare at MERLIN from GALAHAD.
MORGANA looks between GALAHAD and MERLIN. She shivers after the
fright of her nightmare.
MERLIN
(awkward)
Are you... all right?
MORGANA gives an unconvincing nod. She's shaking, self-conscious,

trying to hide her fear when she is clearly traumatized from
whatever terrors assailed her in her dreams.
Something in MERLIN’s face changes, softens with pity. Arthur has
been there to help him with his nightmares. MORGANA has had no one.
Page 14 of 56
After a beat, he stoops down and folds his arms around her in an
awkward hug.
MERLIN
It’s all right. It was just a dream.
You’re safe here.
GALAHAD nears quietly from behind, just watching them.
As MORGANA begins to calm down, MERLIN lets her go.
MERLIN
Here, I’ll just... make you some tea.
He gets up and heads into the kitchen, while MORGANA tries to pull
herself together.
GALAHAD appears beside MERLIN, handing him the tea kettle.
MERLIN
Thanks, Gally.
GALAHAD salutes him in response and returns to the living room as

MORGANA comes into the kitchen, still shaken.
MORGANA
I’m sorry for waking you...
MERLIN
It’s no bother. I never sleep.
(beat)
What were you dreaming about?
MORGANA doesn’t want to answer. She feels ashamed.
MERLIN
Sometimes it helps to talk.
MORGANA
(beat)
A woman. She took Galahad away from
me. Gally’s father was somehow
involved. And then there was just
this... darkness. I can’t describe
it.
(beat)
I think it’s supposed to mean
something. It feels like... something
is coming, something dreadful.
Page 15 of 56
MERLIN frowns in concern. MORGANA’s nightmares have never been a

small matter.
MERLIN
How can that be?
MORGANA
I don’t know.
CUT TO:
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE – NIGHT 1.
[5] LEON’S CAR pulls to a stop alongside the road. He looks out the
window.
LEON
The castle given to me by the
inhabitants of Avalon is protected by
powerful magic, and tucked deep in
the forest where it cannot be found.
There is no road to take us there, so
we will continue on foot.
CUT TO:
EXT. BLUEBELL FOREST – NIGHT 1.
Vibrant bluebells carpet the floor of this forest as though they

were grass. There is a heavenly air about the place, almost magical.
LEON and ELYAN walk on ahead, while ARTHUR and GWEN take their time,
holding hands.
ARTHUR
I thought I would never see you
again.
GWEN
I knew you would return one day. I
just had no idea when.
ARTHUR
I’m so sorry I left you, Guinevere.
And... After Leon explained that you
and Lancelot were under Morgana’s
spell that night when you kissed...
I’m truly sorry for how I treated
you.
GWEN
You are not to blame. That evil was
Morgana’s alone. All that matters is
that you’re here now. With me.
Page 16 of 56
Loving smiles are exchanged. ARTHUR looks ahead just in time to

catch LEON looking back. When LEON realizes ARTHUR has noticed, he
faces forward.
ARTHUR’s smile fades. Just another reminder that GWEN’s marriage to

LEON will need to be addressed.
CUT TO:
INT. ELIZABETH TOWER – NIGHT 1.
[6] MORDRED roughly unchains GWAINE from the rail and lets him fall
onto his hands and knees. GWAINE gasps, groans. It'll take a few
minutes for the blood to flow back to his arms.
MORGAUSE seizes GWAINE by the foot.

GWAINE
What the...?
She snaps a ball and chain around his ankle.
GWAINE
Oh, now, that’s a bit archaic. Don’t
you think someone will notice if I’m
trudging around London with this
hanging off my foot?
MORGAUSE
(incanting)
Becuman hȳdan.
A magic ripple pulses through the ball and chain: it begins to

fade, until it is completely invisible.
MORGAUSE
You will not be “trudging” anywhere,
Sir Gwaine. Not without us.
MORDRED
Clever spell, Morgause. If only you
had been clever enough not to fail in
securing Morgana yesterday.
MORGAUSE
Morgana would be safe with us if it
were not for Emrys.
Page 17 of 56
At the window, ACCOLON’s eyes shift from the direction of Merlin's

flat to MORDRED and MORGAUSE, calculating. Should he risk it? After
a beat, he steps forward.
ACCOLON
(smooth, lying)
I have just received a message from
Lady Elaine. My presence is needed
without delay at Crystállum Castle.
MORDRED and MORGAUSE look up, perturbed.
MORDRED
Do you think she is growing
suspicious?
ACCOLON
She may be. But worry not. I will
smooth things over and return before
the witching hour arrives.
With a nod, MORDRED smiles at ACCOLON, who starts to exit.
As he passes GWAINE, their eyes lock. The way ACCOLON looks at him,
GWAINE knows without a doubt that he's planning something behind
his allies' backs.
CUT TO:
EXT. SANCTUARY GATES – NIGHT 1.
[7] Breezy. Silvery moonlight on everything in sight. LEON, ARTHUR,

GWEN, and ELYAN come upon a towering portcullis of ancient, cream-
colored stone, flanked on either side by dense trees. Wind ripples
through its red flags, which bear the golden Pendragon crest.
Two GUARDS are stationed there. When they see the company
approaching, they stiffen to attention.
GUARD #1
My Lord Leon! Did you finally get
that castle back?
LEON
(proud smile)
No... But I got the King.
The GUARD looks past LEON to ARTHUR. Wait... Is that...? His eyes
expand in wonder.
GUARD #1
Blimey!
Page 18 of 56
(to guards)
The King has returned! Bid him
entrance! Move! Quickly now!
The GUARDS scramble from their positions to raise the portcullis.

Within a few beats, it groans and rises up.
LEON steps aside to let the Once and Future King lead the way.
ARTHUR passes through the gate, followed by GWEN, LEON, and ELYAN.
CUT TO:
INT. MORGANA’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.
[8] GALAHAD sleeps on the mattress – or at least pretends to; he

opens one eye, watching. CAMERA PANS to MORGANA sitting on the
sofa. MERLIN brings her a cup of tea.
MORGANA
Thanks.
MERLIN mutely acknowledges her.
MORGANA
You can go now. I’ll be fine.
MERLIN
What about your dreams? Don’t you
think they might not be safe for
Galahad?
MORGANA
(alarmed)
What do you mean?
MERLIN
You made the boxes float in your
sleep, Morgana. I saw.
MORGANA
(beat)
I'm surprised you haven't called the
police on me already.
(sigh)
I guess you understand what the
psychiatrist is for, then. When
Galahad started telling his
classmates that I nearly burned my
bedroom down in my sleep, do you
think the teachers let that one go?
Page 19 of 56
MERLIN doesn’t know what to say. He’s never known what to say when
she gets like this.
MERLIN
You know... I wouldn’t feel too bad
about it. I have a lot of trouble
with nightmares.
MORGANA
You make furniture float around the
room like some kind of escaped
science experiment?
MERLIN opens his mouth to respond, but stops himself. He can’t

reveal his secret.
MORGANA
I thought not. Why do you think we
had to move in the first place? It's
impossible to stay in one place for
long with my... whatever you call it.
Truth be told, we probably can’t stay
here very long either. I can’t afford
it. We’re only here now because I
worked out a deal with the landlady.
Soon we’ll be up and running again,
I’m sure. I’m sure whatever
nightmares you might have are nothing
compared to mine. There’s no one like
me.
Despondent beat. MERLIN takes a seat beside her.
MERLIN
Ah, most people think they’re going
through something that’s entirely
unique to them. Everyone thinks
they’re the exception. But there’s
always someone out there who’s been
there and made it to the other side.
MORGANA takes this in.
MERLIN
If you need to go back to sleep, you
can. I’ll stay here and watch.
MORGANA
I couldn’t ask that of you.
MERLIN
I know. That’s why I’m offering.
Page 20 of 56
MORGANA
Are you sure?
MERLIN
I’ll be awake either way.
MORGANA
(beat)
Thank you.
MERLIN shrugs.
From the mattress, GALAHAD watches them through his one open eye.
Then he closes it with a smile.
CUT TO:
EXT. SANCTUARY – NIGHT 1.
[9] Establishing shot of a breathtaking CASTLE situated in the

middle of a lush, emerald green field that's bordered by wild
forestland. Elegant arches, climbing towers. Lit by torches, it
glitters in a golden haze against the dark of the night. It looks
like something out of a majestic painting.
CUT TO:
INT. SANCTUARY (GREAT HALL) – CONTINUOUS.
ARTHUR, LEON, GWEN, and ELYAN enter the magnificent Sanctuary great
hall. It's massive. An absolute monument compared to Camelot's
great hall. Vaulted ceilings reach halfway to heaven. Banners
bearing the Pendragon crest hang from the walls, which are lined
with mounted torches. Enormous windows spill moonlight into the
hall. The walls and ceilings are dominated by breathtaking
paintings. There is an aura of the supernatural about the castle,
as if magic flows through it, in every paint stroke and stone.
It feels like they have been transported back to sixth century
Camelot. The SUBJECTS all dress in vivid clothing with medieval
influence – even the SERVANTS have more refined attire.
While ARTHUR, GWEN, and ELYAN marvel at their surroundings as LEON

leads them, palace SUBJECTS stop and marvel at the three people
LEON has brought with him. They recognize their King from their
former lives and whisper excitedly.
SUBJECT #1
Is that who I think it is?
SUBJECT #2
It’s King Arthur! He’s back!
Page 21 of 56
SUBJECT #3
It’s King Arthur!
GWEN, ELYAN, and ARTHUR smile at the SUBJECTS as they pass. LEON
surges with pride for his King.
Soon a CROWD of assorted SUBJECTS, SOLDIERS, and SERVANTS has begun

to follow. There are no children and no elderly: none of those who
have returned to life from Camelot are past their 30s (this will be
explained in EP11).
LANCELOT (O.C.)
Sire! Guinevere!
No way... Sir LANCELOT, clad in mail and armour, breaks away from
the gathering CROWD. He stares ahead at ARTHUR and the others.
Beside him, PERCIVAL emerges from the CROWD. Both are alive. Both
are ecstatic to see their friends. They hurry toward them.
ARTHUR
(overjoyed)
Lancelot! Percival!
LANCELOT and PERCIVAL are met by warm embraces from each of their
friends. It's a dream come true for all of them. There is so much
joy and laughter – they are beside themselves with happiness.
PERCIVAL
(laughing, to Elyan)
Where did they dig you out of? We've
been searching for you for years!
ELYAN
Would you believe I was a
psychiatrist of all things?
LANCELOT
No, not in fifteen hundred years!
ARTHUR
What about the two of you?
LANCELOT
I was with Scotland Yard.
ELYAN
And Percival? What were you?
PERCIVAL
Trust me: you don't want to know.
Page 22 of 56
LANCELOT pauses when he reaches GWEN. The awkwardness from their

final interaction remains. He resorts to offering a deep bow.
LANCELOT
My Queen.
GWEN
Sir Lancelot...
ARTHUR and ELYAN clap LANCELOT and PERCIVAL on the back. LEON
stands by, just bursting with pride, reveling in everyone's
elation.
ARTHUR
It’s good to see you, Lancelot.
LANCELOT
Sire. I must explain myself – explain
my actions during my last –
ARTHUR
(cutting him off)
Leon told us. I know now that you
were both under Morgana's influence.
I am so sorry for what happened. If I
had only known...
LANCELOT
You have nothing to apologize for,
Sire.
PERCIVAL
(glancing about, excited)
Where's Merlin? Have you found him
yet?
GWEN
He had to stay behind. There is so
much to tell you.
LEON
Well, Sire. The people are
congregating. They will expect a
word.
Page 23 of 56
ARTHUR looks to his friends, who nod. He leaves them and makes his
way toward the raised platform at the center of the great hall.
[10] As he goes, a SERVANT drapes a regal cloak over his shoulders,

which covers his modern attire.
Every SUBJECT, SERVANT, and SOLDIER from Camelot is gathered before

ARTHUR. They all stare at their King in awe, in jubilation, while
the air fills with CRIES and SHOUTS of joy.
The ROAR of the CROWD is jarring. Everyone is ecstatic to have

their sovereign back at last. ARTHUR stands there, with tears
welling up in his eyes. He sees his people before him, overwhelmed
with happiness at his return. It’s as wonderful a “welcome home” as
any man could ask for.
As he takes it all in, we see ARTHUR's smile fade. Out of all the
kings of history, that he should be named Once and Future... ARTHUR
is overwhelmed by guilt and gratitude.
Gradually, the clamor of the CROWD begins to fade in order to give

him a chance to speak. But ARTHUR is much too overcome. Emotion
constricts his throat.
GWEN and LEON exchange glances. Why is ARTHUR so silent?
And then, to the amazement of all, ARTHUR bends down and kneels
before his people, head bowed.
Murmurs of confusion ripple through the CROWD. What is their King

doing?
ARTHUR
(beat - loud, emotional)
Thank you... for waiting for me...
for everything. I... I don’t know why
I have been given this second chance,
but I swear to you: I will not waste
it as I did last time. I know I have
committed many wrongs... slaughtered
people for their beliefs... I’m...
I’m so sorry.
Page 24 of 56
The CROWD is in awe of ARTHUR’s humility.
ARTHUR
(looks up - filled with resolve)
But I promise I will break, I will
end the cycle of persecution started
by my father. Never again will anyone
live in fear for what they believe. I
understand now, that to be a king is
to be a servant of the people, and
though I am destined to rule... I am
called to serve, and that is an honor
I will never deserve. I ask only that
you remember I am but a servant in a
king’s robe.
Stunned silence overcomes the halls.

Beat.
LEON
(shouting)
Long live the King!
The entire hall takes up the call...
ALL
Long live the King! Long live the
King! Long live the King!
LEON, GWEN, LANCELOT, PERCIVAL, and ELYAN applaud with the rest of
the CROWD, sending glowing smiles at ARTHUR.
ALL
Long live the King! Long live the
King! Long live the King! Long live
the king!
ARTHUR stays there on his knees, basking in his reunion with his
people, and gazing out at them, he smiles.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET) – NIGHT 1.
[11] ACCOLON slinks down the street. He spares a cautious glance

over his shoulder as he makes his way toward Merlin's flat.
CUT TO:
Page 25 of 56
INT. MORGANA’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM / CORRIDOR) – CONTINUOUS.
MORGANA has fallen asleep on the sofa. MERLIN sits in silence,

observing her.
A quiet sigh. So much guilt, regret, and unease churning within

him. Without the immediate threat of her harming Arthur, it's
easier for MERLIN to see her clearly: just a person, trying to make
her way in life. She's a lot less intimidating like this.
GALAHAD (O.C.)
(whisper)
Can't sleep either?
MERLIN glances up. GALAHAD stands before him. After a beat he takes
a seat beside him on the sofa, careful not to wake his mother.
MERLIN
(beat - whisper)
Why do you think Arthur is a king?
GALAHAD
I don't think it: I know it. It's
like... how there are some things you
just know without needing to be told.
Like knowing you're alive. You just
do.
(beat)
I'm not really supposed to talk about
it.
MERLIN
You're telling me now.
GALAHAD
Yeah, I know. It’s just... Mum says
we don’t need anyone but each other,
but... then you just end up...
MERLIN
Lonely.
GALAHAD looks up, surprised, as though MERLIN just read his mind.
MERLIN
We’re social creatures, human beings.
We need to be talked to, to be
recognized. To be understood, or at
least heard out. Otherwise how can we
judge whether we’re sane if we don’t
have a reference point?
Page 26 of 56
GALAHAD watches him with abandon, hanging on every word. He needed

this: to be understood, like MERLIN said.
MERLIN
There’s nothing wrong with that. It
doesn’t make you needy to need
someone. We’re not equipped to handle
isolation because we’re not meant to
be alone. I know. Believe me. I think
everyone should get the chance to
live surrounded by people who love
them. Or, if life surprises you as it
often does...
GALAHAD
To die, surrounded by people who love
them.
MERLIN looks at him. GALAHAD is wise beyond his years.
MERLIN
Yes.
They hold each other’s gazes.
[12] A soft CLINKING sound. MERLIN’s and GALAHAD's heads snap

toward the door.
SHOT of the doorknob: someone is fiddling with the lock. The

fiddling continues until the door opens. ACCOLON’s silhouette fills
the threshold, tall and imposing. He enters the dark room. Stops.
CAMERA PANS back to the sofa: MERLIN and GALAHAD have disappeared,
hidden somewhere. MORGANA lies there fast asleep.
Confident that they are alone, ACCOLON looms over the sofa. He
brushes a lock of MORGANA’s hair back, beholds her peaceful face.
Behind the door, MERLIN and GALAHAD are concealed in the shadows.
Seeing ACCOLON so close to MORGANA, GALAHAD glowers. He tries to
come out and defend her, but MERLIN holds him in place.
ACCOLON
(sotto)
“Stars, hide your fires. Let not
light see my black and deep desires.”
Page 27 of 56
After observing her a moment longer, ACCOLON unsheathes a deadly,

iridescent DAGGER. He raises it, poised to drive it into her heart.
MERLIN steps out from behind the door, behind ACCOLON.
MERLIN
(low)
Why don’t you use magic? It would be
a lot quicker. And cleaner.
ACCOLON tenses up, unmoving for a beat. He suddenly wheels around

and blindly stabs at MERLIN. In a very Arthur-like fashion, MERLIN
seizes ACCOLON’s wrist without effort and twists it behind the
man's back, hardly making any noise.
MERLIN
(low)
Step into my office.
As MERLIN marches ACCOLON to the door, still pinning his arm behind
his back...
SLOW-MOTION: ACCOLON locks eyes with GALAHAD, who glares back.

ACCOLON fixes him with a chilling stare until MERLIN has forced him
out into the corridor.
END SLOW-MOTION: MERLIN shuts the door without a sound.
MERLIN
Morgana has no friends, and I happen
to be her only real enemy, so you, no
doubt, have come from Mordred. I knew
I sensed the presence of another
powerful sorcerer — I just thought it
was Morgana. But what baffles me...
Taking the dagger, MERLIN releases ACCOLON and surveys his enemy,
intrigued.
MERLIN
...is, why would an ally of Mordred
want to kill Morgana? Now where is
the sense in that?
ACCOLON looks more shaken than we’ve ever seen him.
ACCOLON
(nervous)
You are Emrys. I... had hoped I would
run into you. I have been searching
everywhere.
Page 28 of 56
MERLIN
Well, here I am! And you are?
To MERLIN's confusion, ACCOLON kneels, low and reverent, before

him.
ACCOLON
I am... Urien, your humble servant.
MERLIN
My “humble servant” wouldn’t have
tried to stab me.
ACCOLON
Forgive me, I did not know who you
were. I have been a false follower of
Mordred for four years, all the while
searching for you to offer my help in
the war against him. When I learned
of Morgana’s whereabouts, I thought
to end her life before she could end
yours.
MERLIN studies him. Who is this slippery stranger? Is he telling

the truth or not? Slowly, he extends a hand to help ACCOLON up.
ACCOLON accepts his hand...
He whips out a second knife, plainer than the first, and yanks
MERLIN forward into the blade: it pierces him right in the gut.
MERLIN GASPS. He staggers, his hand flying to the knife. Too

stunned to breathe. He hunches forward like he's about to drop to
his knees.
Beat. MERLIN yanks the blade out, eyes flashing gold. There's no
blood on his shirt.
ACCOLON blanches.
Tranquil, MERLIN looks from the knife in his hand to ACCOLON.
MERLIN
(amused and ticked off)
False follower of Mordred? Are you
sure about that?
Page 29 of 56
Terrified, ACCOLON spins around, flies across the landing and tears
down the stairs, leaping over the rail halfway down to escape
faster.
MERLIN watches after him, satisfied that his might causes men to
flee in terror. He returns to MORGANA’s flat.
Inside, GALAHAD has awakened MORGANA, who is groggy from sleep.
MORGANA
Gally, slow down. What are you
talking about?
MERLIN
Morgana. A man tried to break in here
a moment ago.
MORGANA
(alarmed)
What? What happened?
(to Galahad)
Are you all right?
GALAHAD
I'm fine.
MERLIN
I scared him off, but I don’t think
you two are safe here. He might come
back.
MORGANA
(tired, disoriented)
Wait – but – did he take anything? I
don’t own anything worth stealing.
MERLIN
No, he didn’t, but I think it would
be best if we switch over to my flat
for safety.
GALAHAD
Should we call the police?
MERLIN
(urgent)
Later. Right now, I really think we
should head to my flat, at least
until morning.
MORGANA
A-All right...
Page 30 of 56
MORGANA rises and retrieves her coat.
GALAHAD takes his sweet time gathering up each of his toy soldiers
from the mattress, until MERLIN comes over and scoops up the rest
of them.
The three of them exit into the hall, head down to MERLIN's flat,
and slip inside.
MERLIN spares a brief, cautious look around the hall before he

closes the door behind them.
CUT TO:
INT. SANCTUARY (COUNCIL CHAMBERS) – NIGHT 1.
[13] Small, intimate castle chamber, big table in the middle.

ARTHUR, LEON, GWEN, ELYAN, LANCELOT, and PERCIVAL have been fitted
with attire of a more familiar (medieval-inspired) nature. They
stand around a table that is laden with maps.
ARTHUR
If Mordred has taken Gwaine to
Westminster Bridge, they will be
completely out in the open.
LANCELOT
Mordred must be prepared to defend
himself if he thinks Merlin is
coming. Merlin is more powerful than
any sorcerer I’ve ever seen.
PERCIVAL
And Mordred knows it. He must not
think he is in any danger.
GWEN
He must be aware that any public use
of magic on either side would not be
well received by any by-standers, who
might send for the authorities. And
I’m sure Mordred believes that as
long as he has Gwaine, he’s safe.
LEON
We will have to distract Mordred long
enough to get to Gwaine.
ELYAN
How? That won’t work. Mordred would
recognize us.
ARTHUR
Perhaps there is our advantage.
Page 31 of 56
ALL look to ARTHUR.
ARTHUR
No one would distract Mordred more
than me.
The table falls silent while they consider this.
LANCELOT
Merlin wouldn’t like that.
ARTHUR
Merlin isn’t here.
CUT TO:
EXT. WESTMINSTER BRIDGE – NIGHT 1.

Dead of night. MORDRED and MORGAUSE stand on the bridge with
GWAINE, waiting. One or two CIVILIANS walk by. Some CARS pass. Big
Ben chimes three o’ clock from across the water.
MORGAUSE
It is three in the morning. They
should be here by now.
MORDRED
Patience.
ARTHUR (O.C.)
Sir Mordred. Lady Morgause.
[14] MORDRED spins around. He stops dead at the sight of ARTHUR

striding toward him, dressed in modern attire with a long, black
overcoat. There he is: his great enemy, persecutor of his kind, the
man who sentenced the woman he loved to death.
MORDRED puts on a calm front to mask his swirling emotions.

MORDRED
Arthur. I nearly thought you were not
going to show.
ARTHUR
I would never abandon a friend.
MORDRED
Is that so? Could’ve fooled me.
GWAINE
(irritated)
Yeah, me too! It’s about time.
Page 32 of 56
MORGAUSE
Where is Morgana? Hurry up and make
the exchange!
MORDRED
Quiet, Morgause. I will handle it.
MORDRED steps away from GWAINE to greet ARTHUR. His eyes wander
about.
MORDRED
Have you brought the Lady Morgana?
ARTHUR
Mordred, I think we can both agree
that we have no desire to make a
scene.
MORDRED
Agreed.
GWAINE tries to move, but the magic ball and chain has him pinned
exactly where he is.
ARTHUR
(to Mordred)
Why don’t we take a walk?
MORDRED eyes ARTHUR. Beat. He gives a nod. The pair falls into step
beside one another and begins to stroll slowly down the bridge
alongside the water. Casual, as two friends might; as though they
hadn’t run each other through during their last interaction.
As MORDRED watches ARTHUR from the corner of his eye, he notices

that he has hidden Excalibur beneath his overcoat.
MORDRED
Whatever happened to not wanting to
make a scene?
ARTHUR
My preferences may prove to conflict
with necessity.
MORDRED
(scanning surroundings)
Where is Emrys? Enjoying a few rounds
on the London Eye?
ARTHUR
I have come independent of Merlin.
Page 33 of 56
MORDRED
He would never allow that.
ARTHUR
I don’t take orders from Merlin.
MORDRED
No. But you do bend them for him.
Interesting how the moment you
learned a favorite friend was a
sorcerer, your view of magic shifted
from aversion to acceptance.
ARTHUR
I never meant to bring you any harm,
Mordred. If I had the chance to undo
my errors, perhaps things would be
different. I will never retract my
offer of peace.
MORDRED
(irritated)
I am no longer interested in your
talk of peace. Where is Morgana?
ARTHUR
Not here.
MORDRED
(anger mounting)
You have failed to bring her?
ARTHUR
You can’t fail at something you
weren’t trying to do.
MORDRED
You think yourself clever, do you? No
matter. Due to your lack of
cooperation, Sir Gwaine will lose his
life once more.
ARTHUR
Tell me, how do you hope to
accomplish murder in such a public
place?
Page 34 of 56
MORDRED draws a blank. Oh. Yes, there is that...
ARTHUR
(pitying)
Your youth shows, Mordred. You have
not planned as carefully as you
thought. I would like to propose a
new arrangement: you will release Sir
Gwaine to me now, or Merlin will kill
Morgana.
MORDRED
You said Emrys was not here.
ARTHUR
He’s not. He’s with Morgana. And if
you don't comply with my terms, he
will take her life, and you will lose
your most valued ally.
MORDRED
You're bluffing. If Gwaine is any
indication, then Morgana does not
have her memories either. You would
not kill her.
ARTHUR
No, I wouldn’t. But Merlin would.
He’s done it before. Do you really
think he cares more for Morgana than
me and Gwaine?
MORDRED’s rage boils beneath his attempts to remain calm.
ARTHUR
So, what will it be, Mordred? The
choice is yours. And you can have a
go at me now if you like, but my
knights will not let you do that
easily. Take a look around you.
MORDRED
(to himself)
Knights?
Page 35 of 56
MORDRED heeds his surroundings. He notices LEON and PERCIVAL

disguised as civilians across the way, swords hidden beneath their
layers of clothing, just like ARTHUR. There is a small boat near
the bridge with the word POLICE written on the side. LANCELOT and
ELYAN are aboard. They have two crossbows at the ready, mostly
obscured beneath jackets they’ve draped over the weapons.
MORDRED
(to himself)
Why was I not told they'd all
returned?
ARTHUR
If you kill me, they’ll come after
you, but worse than that, you will
have Merlin to answer to. And I don’t
think you killing me again would put
him in a good mood.
It's all falling apart for MORDRED. He wants nothing more than to
run ARTHUR through on the spot and be done with it. But ARTHUR or
the KNIGHTS would surely kill him in turn, and MORDRED has no
desire to die today.
Furious, MORDRED marches away from ARTHUR back toward MORGAUSE and
GWAINE.
ARTHUR follows, quietly triumphant. He's won.
MORDRED
Morgause! Release the knight.
MORGAUSE
Where is Morgana?
MORDRED
(sullen)
With Merlin. And if we do not release
Gwaine, he will kill her.
MORGAUSE
(seething)
But we need him to ensure that we
receive Morgana!
MORDRED
Would you rather your sister die?!
Release him!
Page 36 of 56
A reluctant MORGAUSE releases the enchantment over the ball and

chain attached to GWAINE’s foot. It materializes into view and
unlocks.
ARTHUR takes a weary GWAINE by the arm.
ARTHUR
(to Morgause and Mordred)
Pleasure doing business with you. We
should do this again sometime.
GWAINE
(to Arthur)
Yeah, just maybe take LESS time next
time!
The two walk away.
MORDRED
Arthur! I will kill you before this
ends! On Kara’s grave, I swear it!
ARTHUR and GWAINE leave their infuriated enemies behind them.
CUT TO:
INT. SANCTUARY (GREAT HALL) – DAY 1.
[15] Dawn (finally). The morning light permeates through the

castle. ARTHUR, GWAINE, PERCIVAL, LEON, ELYAN, and LANCELOT all
enter the Sanctuary. The KNIGHTS flock around GWAINE, patting him
on the back, rejoicing in his return.
GWEN makes her way to ARTHUR and greets him with a kiss that he
returns — until he notices that LEON watches them and breaks away,
resorting to hugging her instead. How uncomfortable the whole
situation is...
GWAINE (V.O.)
One thing is for certain...
CUT TO:
Page 37 of 56
INT. SANCTUARY (COUNCIL CHAMBERS) – DAY 1.
ARTHUR, LEON, GWEN, and the KNIGHTS are gathered around the table.
GWAINE
There is friction between them.
Always at each other's throats.
Morgause is the most rebellious.
She's obsessed with getting Morgana
back. And Mordred – he didn't even
know whether Arthur had an army yet.
Whoever he's working for, they're not
telling him anything.
LANCELOT
Over time, we have gathered some
information about his allies. They
are led by a daughter of Vivian and
Gorlois, the twin sister of Morgause.
We believe Gaius smuggled her out of
Camelot during the Great Purge and
handed her over to the Disir. And she
has an army – thousands. Many of them
were originally from a cult that
awaited Mordred’s return. But now we
believe they’re in over their heads.
They serve out of fear of the lords’
sorcery.
GWAINE
Yeah, I met one of those lords. That
Accolon...
(shakes his head)
He gets his way most frequently.
Seems to have his own agenda. A
first-class manipulator. Even had me
fooled for a moment there.
ARTHUR
Don’t hold it against yourself,
Gwaine. If you hadn’t told him about
Morgana, they would've killed you. In
the end, it saved your life.
PERCIVAL claps a hand on GWAINE’s shoulder.
PERCIVAL
And it’s a good job it did.
ELYAN
And I’m sure that all that Gwaine’s
picked up will prove useful.
Page 38 of 56
PERCIVAL
Probably annoyed the hell out of them
too.
GWAINE
I made it my aim in life.
ARTHUR
Well. The rescue mission was
successful. We now have the last of
our brothers safe with us once more.
If my presence will not be missed, I
must return to London City and see
that all is well with Merlin.
ARTHUR starts for the door.

LANCELOT
(to Gwaine)
It’s a relief to have you back safe
and sound, and that Morgana has not
fallen into enemy hands.
PERCIVAL
Speaking of Morgana... She will have
to be dealt with.
ARTHUR’s steps slow to a stop as he listens to their conversation.
LANCELOT
Percival is right. Now that we know
how valuable Morgana is to our
adversaries, perhaps we should
consider removing her from the
equation.
GWAINE
I couldn’t agree more.
ELYAN
What do you suggest?
PERCIVAL
We kill her before she kills us.
ARTHUR
Wait! Hold on! This is getting out of
hand.
Page 39 of 56
LEON watches in silence, not wanting to challenge ARTHUR’s orders.
LANCELOT
Justice must be served. We will
avenge each other.
GWEN
I suppose you're right. She is far
too deadly to be allowed to roam
about. Right now, she is vulnerable.
We may not get another chance.
ARTHUR
What? No. Out of the question.
GWEN
Arthur, we understand your hesitance
to kill Morgana. But after everything
she’s done, everything that I know
she will continue to do as soon as
she remembers...
LANCELOT
Morgana is a danger to your mission,
Arthur: a menace to your destiny. She
will try to undermine your path to
the throne.
ARTHUR
Morgana has no recollection of the
past. Who is to say she ever will?
GWAINE
It didn’t take much for me.
ELYAN
Or me.
PERCIVAL
Or me.
GWEN
Me either.
LANCELOT
Nor I.
ARTHUR
I don’t care. No one is to harm
Morgana or her son.
Page 40 of 56
Dead silence. Shock from LEON and all the KNIGHTS.
LEON
Her son?
PERCIVAL
How did she ever find love?
ARTHUR
If that will be all, I must get
back...
(to himself)
...before Merlin's heart fails.
The KNIGHTS and GWEN do not approve of this decision. It is evident

that the conversation will come up again. Still, GWEN follows
ARTHUR out of the room.
LEON stares longingly after her.
CUT TO:
INT. CRYSTÀLLUM CASTLE (ENTRANCE HALL) – DAY 1.
[16] Vast staircase, gold-gilded walls. Crystal chandeliers scatter

little rainbows down over the small gathering, as an irate ELAINE
reprimands ACCOLON, MORDRED, and MORGAUSE.
ELAINE
(enraged)
And you saw fit to go behind my back
to extract this information?
MORDRED
We had everything under our control —
ELAINE
(cutting him off)
Clearly not! Otherwise Morgana would
be here. And if not Morgana, then at
least a dead knight, but you could
not even kill a man already within
your grasp! This is absurd!
MORGAUSE
Sister, we nearly had them. But the
King managed to outwit Mordred.
MORDRED
(glaring at Morgause)
I was not the only one who was
outwitted.
Page 41 of 56
ELAINE
Enough! You are all dismissed.
MORDRED
(beat - cold)
You forget, Lady Elaine, that I do
not answer to you.
MORDRED spins on his heel and stalks off. MORGAUSE follows shortly.
A beat. Then, ACCOLON, always eager to appease every side...
ACCOLON
(gentle charm)
I still answer to you, My Lady.
ELAINE is exasperated with MORDRED and MORGAUSE. She looks at

ACCOLON like he’s her last hope.
ELAINE
Thank you, My Lord Accolon. I would
expect this kind of insubordination
from Mordred – even after all we’ve
done for him these past for years –
but Morgause knows what is at stake
and still she defies me!
ACCOLON
I did all I could to dissuade them,
but they refused. It will not happen
again, My Lady. This I promise.
With a bow, ACCOLON turns. Back to ELAINE, he gives a subtle smirk

as he walks away.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON CITY (STREET) – DAY 1.
[17] Morning. Busy street. CARS flashing past. ARTHUR and GWEN
stand on the edge of the street, where GWEN inaudibly demonstrates
to ARTHUR how to hail a CAB.
A CAB slows to a stop before them. They enter.
CUT TO:
Page 42 of 56
INT. CAB – CONTINUOUS.
The pair sits together in the backseat. ARTHUR gazes ahead at

nothing in particular, pensive.
GWEN
You seem distant, Arthur. Is
something on your mind?
ARTHUR
(beat)
How soon after my death did you marry
Leon?
For comic coincidence, the same CABBIE who drove Merlin and Arthur
in EP3 "The Madness of Merlin" is at the wheel. Hearing their
bizarre conversation, he squints at them in the rearview mirror.
Why does he always get all the weirdos?
GWEN
(beat - grows serious)
About three years. It was the most
difficult decision I’ve ever been
forced to make. Merlin insisted that
I wait for you, but... I had no idea
when you were coming back. I had to
think of the kingdom.
ARTHUR
You did the right thing. You put the
people first. I could not have chosen
a better queen.
GWEN perceives something more behind his mood.
GWEN
Don’t think you can leave it off like
that. I can always tell when
something is bothering you.
ARTHUR
Now that we are united again... where
does that put Leon?
Now GWEN understands.
GWEN
Leon and I had our day. And we grew
to love one another in our own way.
But... it’s been years for him. I am
sure he no longer expects anything.
Our marriage was a political
agreement in the first place.
Page 43 of 56
ARTHUR
(uncertain)
As long as you are confident that
Leon knows this.
GWEN
I’m certain. You’ve no reason to
fear. There are no barriers that can
keep us apart now.
She kisses ARTHUR on the cheek and then faces ahead. ARTHUR won’t
let her go at that: he turns her face and kisses her full on the
lips.
CUT TO:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM / KITCHEN) / EXT. LONDON CITY

(STREET) – NIGHT 1.
[18] The door opens. A weary MERLIN and MORGANA come in. He closes
the door behind them.
MERLIN
Thank goodness. I thought they’d
never leave.
MORGANA
They’d have left faster if you’d
woken me up so we could call the
police sooner.
MERLIN
You needed sleep after last night.
MORGANA
Still...
MERLIN
Where’s Gally?
MORGANA
He’s playing on your bed with his
knights.
(tired sigh)
I’m going to see if you managed to
get the stains out of my dress. I’ve
got another interview in the morning.
She heads off down the hall. MERLIN starts to straighten up the
living room (nothing new there).
ACCOLON (V.O.)
Knock, knock.
Page 44 of 56
MERLIN tenses up. He recognizes that voice.
ACCOLON (V.O.)
Is this a bad time?
MERLIN (V.O.)
You tried to break in last night.
ACCOLON (V.O.)
I actually did break in last night.
MERLIN (V.O.)
Done catching your breath after you
ran away in fear?
ACCOLON (V.O.)
(beat)
Where has the strumpet gone off to?
Getting dolled up for her reunion
with Mordred?
MERLIN (V.O.)
What are you talking about?
ACCOLON (V.O.)
Look, I am going to make this quick.
We have Arthur.
MERLIN freezes. What... No... Eyes grow in fright.
MERLIN
(out loud, whisper)
That’s impossible...
ACCOLON (V.O.)
We’ve already butchered his precious
Guinevere trying to get information
out of him. Sir Gwaine too. Arthur’s
really making quite a fuss over it –
you should hear him blubbering. It’s
pitiful.
MERLIN’s mouth parts in horror. Tears spring to his eyes. No, it

can’t be... His beloved friends...
MERLIN
(out loud, emotional)
No...
ACCOLON (V.O.)
Unless you want your king to share
their fate, you will tell Morgana and
the pup to step outside. Now.
Page 45 of 56
There is no question. He can’t let them kill ARTHUR. He glances

toward the hall. Heads towards his bedroom at the end of it. The
door is cracked.
GALAHAD sits on MERLIN’s bed playing with his toy knights. So

innocent. So oblivious to the danger.
ACCOLON (V.O.)
Hurry, will you? I’m pressed for time.
MERLIN lifts a hand for a spell to knock the child out. He’s
shaking, absolutely dying inside. Can he really do it, be the cause
of suffering and death for this little family he’s bonded with over
the past few days? It’s tearing him apart.
GALAHAD glances up and sights MERLIN through the crack in the door.
SPOTTED! MERLIN hides his hand behind his back and plasters on a
smile. Unsuspecting, GALAHAD smiles, before returning to his toys.
MERLIN stands in the hall, breathing heavily, warring inside. But

then... He pauses. Wait a minute...
MERLIN
(out loud, whisper)
You’re lying.
(V.O.)
You’re lying.
ACCOLON (V.O.)
Am I?
MERLIN (V.O.)
If you really had killed Gwen and
Gwaine, if you really had Arthur in
your grasp... it would be Mordred who
called to gloat, not you. He’s been
waiting for this moment for years –
there’s no way in hell he’d let you
steal his glory.
ACCOLON (V.O.)
He is busy gloating over Arthur as it
is –
MERLIN (V.O.)
(cutting him off, sure of himself)
No, you’re lying. You can’t be in the
same place as Mordred – how would you
know Morgana left the room?
Page 46 of 56
Silence. Now he knows for sure that ACCOLON is lying.
MERLIN heads back into the living room and scans outside the
window. On the paveway below, a shadowy figure stares back up at
him: ACCOLON.
MERLIN (V.O.)
(dark)
Do not try to lie to me: I know more
about lying than anyone. And if you
want Morgana and Galahad, then come
inside and face me.
A pause. ACCOLON sends a cold, bitter glare his way. He will not
fight him. With a swish of his overcoat, he turns slowly and walks
away.
MERLIN stares out after him for several beats, still shaken by the
whole strange thing.
MORGANA (O.C.)
Look!
[19] He whips around. A proud MORGANA enters wearing her little

dress from the previous two episodes.
MORGANA
(a little spin to show off the dress)
Not a single stain. You saved it.
MERLIN forces a smile. He casts another nervous glance out the

window. No Accolon. He glances up at the clock. Still no Arthur.
Still no Gwaine.
Beat of silence. They stand there. It never stops being awkward

between them after all the history of rage, betrayal, choking,
stabbing, torturing – yeah.
MORGANA
Do you have anything to drink?
MERLIN
Oh... Uh... yeah.
Shaking it off, MERLIN leads MORGANA into the kitchen. He begins to

fill a cup of water for her, but MORGANA helps herself to a bottle
of wine from one of the cupboards.
MERLIN
Ah, it's not really the right
occasion to break into that...
Page 47 of 56
MORGANA
What year is this? It looks ancient.
Where did you get it?
MERLIN
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, God rest his
soul.
MORGANA smirks. She takes down a pair of wine glasses.
MERLIN
You think I’m kidding.
She pours and hands him a glass.
MERLIN
Oh, no. I don’t want any...
But MORGANA has already filled the second glass.
MORGANA
A toast.
MERLIN
(reluctantly accepts glass)
To...?
MORGANA
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, of course.
MERLIN
Ah. God rest his soul.
They clink glasses and drink. MERLIN forces a tiny smile to

disguise his ongoing discomfort.
MORGANA
This is really good.
MERLIN
Well, he was very rich.
He is surprised when MORGANA laughs. It's been so long since he

heard that – without the maniacal edge.
CUT TO:
INT. CRYSTÀLLUM CASTLE (ELAINE’S CHAMBERS) – CONTINUOUS.
[20] ELAINE rises from her solid crystal table in defeat.

ELAINE
(to Morgause)
Page 48 of 56
It is useless. The magic you’ve lent

me is not potent enough.
(frustrated sigh)
The day I am released from the spell
and free to use my own magic again
cannot come swiftly enough.
MORGAUSE
The magic I’ve shared with you is not
to blame for the crystals’ failure to
show anything of use.
ELAINE
Well, there must be some explanation
as to why they show nothing but that
same darkness.
MORGAUSE
Let me try again.
Taking her seat, MORGAUSE presses her hands against the table’s
smooth, cool surface and stares into it. As she begins to exercise
magic, the entire tabletop turns black for her too.
MORGAUSE
(whispering)
Why is this happening?
The lights in ELAINE’s chambers flicker. ELAINE and MORGAUSE don't

notice.
CUT TO:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (KITCHEN) – CONTINUOUS.
[21]
MORGANA
I haven’t had wine this good since I
was with Galahad’s father.
Her mood darkens. She’s reminded herself of a past filled with

suffering that she tries so hard to bury. Long beat.
MORGANA
He’s lucky he left me. That way he
doesn’t have to deal with me.
MERLIN
Why would you say that?
Page 49 of 56
MORGANA
(beat – tries to smile at her expense)
Because I'm crazy. I've tried to
escape that fact for years. I’m sure
he knew it. How could he not? You
already know I hear voices.
Her plight really tugs on MERLIN’s heartstrings. All these years,

he’s struggled with his own fears of losing his sanity. And here
she is, just a woman trying to make sense of things that are so
beyond her, so similar to how she was before everything went wrong.
MERLIN
These voices... Do they belong to
anyone you know?
MORGANA
Some are strangers. People I’ve never
met, who probably don’t exist. One’s
a woman who claims to be my sister...
In the past few years, I started
hearing Galahad’s father.
MERLIN takes this in.
MORGANA
(emotional)
I know. I’m insane. You’ve seen it
firsthand now. Gally’s father really
dodged a bullet leaving me.
(beat)
I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be talking
like this. I don’t know what I’m
saying. I’m... sorry.
She turns away and tries to get a handle on her emotions. MERLIN’s
eyes are filled with pity. He opens his mouth to speak – closes it,
stopping himself. What can he say? Gaius always warned him against
helping Morgana. Better to leave her in the dark where it’s safer.
After all, there’s really nothing he can do.
Well...
Actually there is.
MERLIN
No. Morgana.
Page 50 of 56
Taking her by the shoulder, MERLIN turns MORGANA around.
MERLIN
Look. I know you’ve felt alone and
afraid, and I've been no help at all.
I know you've felt like this longer
than you can even remember. If,
somewhere along your troubled way,
someone had reached out and said to
you, “You’re worth the risk,” then
things might have turned out
different. I may have been too afraid
to act before, but we've been getting
a lot of second chances lately, and
hey, maybe this is mine. So, if you
need someone to turn to, well, you’re
in luck, ‘cause I’m going to be right
here, for as long as you let me.
[22] MORGANA stares at MERLIN, completely stunned. No one has ever

said anything so supportive, so kind to her. Without any warning,
she launches herself forward, wraps her arms around him, and kisses
him hard on the lips.
MERLIN’s eyes widen in absolute horror. WHAT? NO. This was not the
desired effect! Off! Off! Off! MERLIN grabs her shoulders, ready to
push her away when...
ARTHUR (O.C.)
(appalled)
Merlin!
Startled, MERLIN shoves MORGANA against a counter.
MORGANA
Ow!
He whirls to face ARTHUR and GWEN, who have just entered the
kitchen, slack-jawed.
Oh, terrific. This must look wonderful.
MERLIN
Sire. I was...
The four of them stare at each other.
MORGANA
(surprised)
Arthur. And... Arthur’s friend.
ARTHUR
What is going on here?
Page 51 of 56
A flustered MERLIN cannot bring himself to look at MORGANA. He's

just too thrown off to form an explanation.
GWEN
(to Morgana, falsely pleasant)
You should go.
MORGANA
But... but I —
GWEN
(cuts her off - stern)
Now.
MORGANA looks to MERLIN, hoping he will back her up. MERLIN does
not look back. Confused, MORGANA heads down the hall to fetch her
son.
MERLIN, ARTHUR, and GWEN stare at each other in painful silence.
MERLIN
(hopeful)
How’s Gwaine?
ARTHUR
Gwaine is safe. You, however, have a
lot of explaining to do.
MERLIN's hopes of changing the subject are dashed. Completely.
MORGANA returns with GALAHAD.
MORGANA
(to Merlin)
Thank you for having us... Good
night.
They go to the door. GALAHAD gives them all a strange look before
leaving. MORGANA’s eyes are on MERLIN until she shuts the door
behind her.
ARTHUR
(to Merlin)
What the hell was that?
MERLIN
(without missing a beat)
It wasn’t what it looked like.
ARTHUR
Well, then what could it possibly
have been?
Page 52 of 56
MERLIN
I — I don’t know what happened. We
were talking and then we were...
obviously not talking...
GWEN
What were you saying?
MERLIN
(fast)
Well, we bounced around from the
dress, to wine, to Sir Arthur Conan
Doyle — God rest his soul — to
hearing voices, right up until I said
I would try to be there for her, and
then she just... attacked me!
ARTHUR
She “attacked” you? You know, that
used to mean something completely
different in reference to Morgana.
GWEN
Merlin, what were you thinking? When
Morgana remembers, what do you think
she’ll do?
ARTHUR
(sudden thought occurring)
Wait. You said you’d be there for
her?
MERLIN looks at him. Yeah? So?
GWEN
First thing tomorrow, you must tell
Morgana you can’t get into a
relationship with her.
ARTHUR
Wait — no, he can’t tell her that.
GWEN
He can't?
MERLIN
Uh, hell yeah, I can. I'm gonna do it
right now.
Page 53 of 56
He starts for the door. ARTHUR quickly blocks his path.
ARTHUR
Wait, you just said you'd be there
for her. If you go and tell her,
“Sorry, I changed my mind,” doesn’t
that undo what we’re trying to
accomplish?
MERLIN
Are you absolutely mad? I killed her!
And she has tried to kill me more
times than I can remember, and you
don't want me to tell her the point-
blank truth that I am not and will
not ever be interested in her?
ARTHUR
But we can't throw away all our
attempts to reach out to her just
like –
[23] Suddenly, the lights in MERLIN’s flat start to flicker.
ARTHUR
Merlin, would you leave the lights
alone?
MERLIN
It’s not me.
CUT TO:
Page 54 of 56
SERIES OF SHOTS: INT. MORGANA’S FLAT (THE LOO) / CRYSTÁLLUM CASTLE

(MORDRED’S CHAMBERS / ELAINE’S CHAMBERS) / HOSPITAL (OPERATION
ROOM) / EXT. ELIZABETH TOWER / LONDON EYE / LONDON CITY (STREET) –
CONTINUOUS.
In MORGANA’s flat, GALAHAD uses the sink: it sputters before

shutting off altogether.
Inside MORDRED's lavish chambers, he lies on his mammoth bed gazing

at the ceiling vacantly. The lights flicker. He glances up
detached, but curious.
ELAINE’s chambers go dark while MORGAUSE and ELAINE hover over the
crystal table, trying to divine.
In the OPERATION ROOM of a HOSPITAL, just as the DOCTORS are

performing a surgery, the lights go out.
The lights on ELIZABETH TOWER shut off. Then goes the LONDON EYE.
In the streets, DRIVERS lose control of their CARS as the vehicles

die. No breaks: several gruesome COLLISIONS, tires screeching,
glass flying.
CUT TO:
EXT. LONDON CITY / OUTER SPACE (EARTH) – CONTINUOUS.
Establishing. All of LONDON loses power.
We show the EARTH glowing from electricity. In seconds, it goes

completely dark.
All the power on earth has been lost.
CUT TO:
INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM / KITCHEN) – NIGHT 2.

MERLIN uses magic to light the candles in his living room. He,
ARTHUR, and GWEN all hasten to the window and look outside: they
see nothing but pitch-black.
Maybe this is the darkness Morgana was talking about.
GWEN
(soft, fearful)
What is happening?
ARTHUR
I have no idea.
Page 55 of 56
MERLIN
(whisper, to himself)
“The Sempiternal Shadow shall fall,
as black as the deeds of men.”
ARTHUR
(to Merlin, re: Merlin’s muttering)
What was that?
MERLIN
(ominous)
Arthur... I think I know what my
prophecy was about.
END OF EPISODE.
Page 56 of 56

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MERLIN: KINGDOM COME

INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.

[1] MERLIN, ARTHUR, and GWEN all stare, slack-jawed, totally

MERLIN watches ARTHUR watch them, knowing this must be heart-

A few beats, taking it in – taking her in – and LEON pulls back to

ARTHUR follows LEON’s gaze to MERLIN. He pieces it together.

Merlin... You’re Darlene Plunkett?

A thoughtful expression overtakes LEON.

INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.

Beat of uncertain staring from GWEN and LEON.

ARTHUR glances from GWEN and LEON to MERLIN, wavering.

What? No – MERLIN can't believe this.

MERLIN's sudden distress doesn't make the decision easy.

A little smile from MERLIN. He knows ARTHUR is only saying that to

INTERCUT WITH: INT. ELIZABETH TOWER / EXT. WESTMINSTER BRIDGE –

MORDRED smiles as he hears the message.

MORDRED sees no problem with this.

There is the bridge, lit up in the distance. The water around it is

INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – CONTINUOUS.

At the window, MERLIN anxiously watches his friends hurry out of

...that ACCOLON is watching the dark shapes of ARTHUR, GWEN, and

Death glare from MORGAUSE. Satisfaction from GWAINE.

MORDRED stares out over Westminster Bridge.

SERIES OF SHOTS: EXT. LONDON CITY (STREETS) – CONTINUOUS.

INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM) – CONTINUOUS.

EXT. LONDON (STREET) – NIGHT 1.

[3] SHOT of LEON’S CAR as it drives down the street.

INT. LEON’S CAR – NIGHT 1.

It pulls to a stop outside a classy, Victorian-style house. Big,

INT. ELYAN’S HOUSE – CONTINUOUS.

Long robe, slippers. A squinting ELYAN appears at the top of the

Totally confused, ELYAN looks from ARTHUR and LEON to GWEN.

Beat. ELYAN stares. Is that supposed to mean something to him?

But wait... His face slowly transitions from confused to

Flash of a MEMORY: EP6 of Season 5, ELYAN fights the enchanted,

Present moment. ELYAN gazes into her eyes.

GWEN gives a beaming smile, tears glistening in her eyes.

He pulls her in for an excited hug. GWEN takes it in.

Beyond GWEN’s shoulder, ELYAN's eyes trail to ARTHUR and LEON.

INT. MERLIN’S FLAT (KITCHEN / LIVING ROOM) – NIGHT 1.

A MUFFLED WHIMPER. MERLIN tenses up. What was that?

INT. FLAT BUILDING (CORRIDOR) / MORGANA’S FLAT (LIVING ROOM /

MERLIN hastens — practically runs — down the hall. MORGANA’s

MERLIN frantically raps on the door.

No response. GALAHAD has fallen silent. MORGANA’s cries continue.

Fine. He backs up, waves a hand over the knob.

CLICK. It's unlocked. He spills inside.

GALAHAD jolts, startled. Surrounded by the boxes and other clutter

Beneath MORGANA’s fluttering eyelids, we glimpse a flash of gold.

GALAHAD snatches one from the air. It contains a small television

While GALAHAD is distracted, MERLIN discretely uses his own magic

He puts a hand on her.

MORGANA bolts upright, SCREAMING her head off.

Wide eyes, panting – MORGANA registers MERLIN’s face in the dark.

MORGANA gives an unconvincing nod. She's shaking, self-conscious,

GALAHAD nears quietly from behind, just watching them.

As MORGANA begins to calm down, MERLIN lets her go.

GALAHAD salutes him in response and returns to the living room as

MORGANA doesn’t want to answer. She feels ashamed.

MERLIN frowns in concern. MORGANA’s nightmares have never been a

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE – NIGHT 1.

EXT. BLUEBELL FOREST – NIGHT 1.